Nov. 5 ballot

Local races to be decided in Groveport, Canal Winchester

Tuesday November 5, 2013 10:46 AM

Residents of Canal Winchester, Groveport and Madison Township will vote on a slate of local races on the Nov. 5 ballot.

In Canal Winchester, the Sept. 14 death of longtime Councilman John Bender turned what had been a five-way competition for four seats on council into an uncontested race for candidates Will Bennett, Steve Donahue, Bobbie Mershon and James Wynkoop. Officials at the Franklin County Board of Elections have said any votes cast for Bender will not be counted.

Three incumbents on the Canal Winchester Board of Education -- Brian Niceswanger, Debra Waites and Michael A. Yonnotti -- are being challenged by newcomer Jonathan L. Metzler for three available seats on the board.

In Groveport, five candidates are seeking election to four city council seats. Incumbents Edward G. Dildine, Ed Rarey and Donna Drury hope to retain their seats. They face challengers James H. Chilton and Becky Hutson.

Incumbent Jan Stoots is not seeking re-election.

Incumbent Groveport-Madison Board of Education member Charlotte Barker chose not to seek re-election in November, but the race for three seats on the school board attracted six candidates. That list was reduced to five when Becky Vanest withdrew from the race.

Two of the three seats on the Madison Township board of trustees are up for election next week. Incumbents Victor Paini and Edward Dildine are seeking re-election and are being challenged by Maria Stewart.